What’s Causing the Rise in Autism? With Dr. David Amaral as well as Kathy Stein

What’s causing the rise in autism? It’s a question that is certainly trending in the news. While some people have strong opinions about the cause, what does the evidence say? What about the researchers who are dedicated to studying autism-what do they say? On a recentepisodeofCauses or Cures, I spoke with Dr. David Amaral and Kathy Stein about the powerful impact of brain donations throughAutism BrainNetin advancing our understanding of autism. (If you don’t know what brain donation is-tune in! You will! :)) Dr. Amaral offers a comprehensive overview of autism, exploring what science currently knows about its risk factors and potential causes. He discusses the rising rate of autism and explains how brain donations provide researchers with a rare and invaluable opportunity to study autism at the neurological level—offering insights that can’t be uncovered any other way. He also shares essential discoveries that have already emerged through Autism BrainNet’s efforts. Kathy Stein joins the conversation to share a deeply personal story: that of her brother Ed, who lived with autism and viewed it as “a different way of seeing the world.” After Ed’s passing, Kathy donated his brain to Autism BrainNet, a decision she describes as a gift to science, one that reflects her commitment to supporting research that might bring answers to families in the future. Together, Dr. Amaral and Kathy explain how the brain donation process works, what it means for scientific discovery, and why it’s an act of profound generosity. Who are they? Dr. David Amaralis a distinguished professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at UC Davis. He serves as the scientific director ofAutism BrainNetand was the founding research director of the renownedMIND Institute, a center for autism research founded in collaboration with parents of children on the spectrum. He is also a past president of the International Society for Autism Research and currently serves as Editor-in-Chief of its journal,Autism Research. Kathy’s brother Ed called Concord, New Hampshire home for 25 years. A beloved community member, Ed worked at theConcord Monitor, operating the advertisement insert machine until his retirement. A familiar and friendly face at the Concord Public Library, Ed had a wide range of passions—including steam trains, photography, travel, and musicals. He lived with warmth, curiosity, and an enduring grace that left an impression on all who knew him. Pleaseclick hereto tune into the episode! And here is a click from my Youtube channel, where I ask him the question trending on all social media platforms: Is the Increase in Autism Due to Increased Awareness or Something Else? Watch here: After you are through listening to “What’s causing the rise in autism”, I invite you to check out some of the other episodes: Ever wonder why you fall for certain people and not others? Ever feel hate for someone and wonder why? Check out this podcast with Dr. Dwayne Godwin and Dr. Jorge Cham…they will tell you if you are out of your mind! ;)Learn more here. This podcast is exploding with downloads! And I get why-my guest, Dr. Timothy Yeatman is a rockstar. He talks about the link between eating lifestyle and rising rates of colon cancer. Trust me, you want to listen to this one. Tune in here.